Governor Agbu Kefas Honoured with Prestigious Award at 19th Nigeria Media Nite Out Awards
His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas, the dynamic Governor of Taraba State, has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to governance and development, receiving a top honour, Tourism Governor Of The Year Award at the 19th Anniversary of the Nigeria Media Nite Out Awards (NMNA) held recently in Lagos.
The event, a vibrant convergence of media professionals and key government functionaries was very colorful.
The Governor was specifically lauded for his exceptional leadership qualities and impactful projects that have significantly improved the lives of Taraba State residents since his assumption of office in May 2023.
His administration’s notable strides in key areas such as security, free education, and infrastructure development were highlighted, though importantly, the opening of the tourism traffic door into Taraba State with the creation of new tourism zones for rapt development, became immediate primary reasons for the prestigious recognition.
A Night of Professionalism and Panache, the NMNA ceremony, held at the B Event Hall of the Lagos Airport Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, was a night of high-profile acknowledgment and engaging entertainment. Dr. Champion Mike, known for his charismatic and witty presenting style, kept the audience enthralled with his timely jokes and professional flair, ensuring the formal event maintained a light and lively atmosphere.
The fusion of solemn professional recognition and hilarious entertainment was a major highlight, perfectly capturing the spirit of the vibrant Nigerian media industry.
Upon receiving the award, which was accepted on his behalf, Governor Kefas expressed his gratitude to the organizers and the entire media community. The Governor dedicated the award to the resilient people of Taraba State, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering a prosperous, united, and secure state that serves as a model for growth in Nigeria.
The 19th NMNA took place on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at the Lagos Airport Hotel. The event also recognized other efforts.
Hon. Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani, NAIC MD/CEO, received the 2025 Nigeria Media Nite-Out Award of Excellence for his outstanding leadership in Agricultural Risk Management and Rural Development. Other notable recipients include Chief Oluchukwu Hillary Nwosu (Hillary Foundation), Amb. Victor Legend Etukinyang (IGOglobal), Chief Immanuel Ubah (Adventist Hotel Lagos), and Mark Imoh Alphonsus (Amala Eko International), among others.
Hon. Yazeed Shehu Danfulani, NAIC MD/CEO, represented by the Head of Agric Services, Mr. Danladi Mato, delivered a keynote address, highlighting how strategic insurance solutions can safeguard farmers, boost the agricultural sector, and enhance national food security.
The NAIC boss stressed that food security should be a top national priority, given the challenges of climate change, production risks, and population pressures. He emphasized the crucial role of agricultural insurance in driving sustainable food production.
Mr. Danladi Mato, MD/CEO’s representative was joined by NAIC’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Dr. Lawal Umar Maradun, and Lagos Branch Manager, Mr. Titiloye Oyatolu.
Dr. Victor Legend Etukinyang, CEO of IGOglobal Company, was honoured for his contributions to technology and wellness products, particularly Iroko African Root. In an interview, he praised the convener of the 2025 Media Awards for recognizing Nigerian philanthropists.
He attributed the company’s success to God Almighty, stating that IGOglobal has invested in Africa, pioneering products like the Libido enhancer for women, particularly those in menopause, and “Pure Virgin”, a unique wellness product.
Chief Oluchukwu Hillary Nwosu expressed gratitude for the Media Award, stating that the Hillary Nwosu Care Foundation focuses on promoting welfare and unity among vulnerable Nigerians through health, education, empowerment, and more.
The foundation provides food and nutrition programs, Sallah party celebrations, and empowerment initiatives, benefiting over 500 indigent persons and vulnerable children in the FCT. Their goal is to alleviate hunger, suffering, and poverty, promoting community and social responsibility
The Chairman and CEO of Amala Eko International, Mark Imoh Alphonsus, also expressed gratitude in an interview, stating that receiving the award has motivated his team to continue excelling in their work. He announced that in 2025, Amala Eko International plans to feed 5,000 people at Ikeja and globally on December 24, 2025. Alphonsus encouraged other award beneficiaries and individuals with means to give back to the less privileged without expecting anything in return, promoting a culture of kindness to make Nigeria a better nation.
A notable part of the evening was the Best Administrative Officer of the Year Award, presented to the immediate ex-Governor of Zamfara State, His, Excellency, Hon. Bello Muhammed Matawaye, in recognition of his efforts to reduce insecurity and implement effective governance in the state.
Dr. Lawal Umar Maradun, Manager of Corporate Affairs at NAIC (Agric & General Insurance), expressed gratitude for the media award recognizing the immediate past Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, as the best administrator. He attributed Matawalle’s success to employing both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to tackle insecurity in Zamfara State. By utilizing a dialogue approach, Matawalle achieved significant results, including years without major abductions, kidnappings, killings, or ransom payments. Notably, the state remained calm even after he left office, a testament to the effectiveness of his strategies.
He also added that the recent kidnapping in Kebbi State has indeed sparked a lot of conversation about security in Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu’s swift intervention and the efforts of security agencies are being recognized, with many acknowledging their hard work in combating insecurity. The closure of schools, though temporary, is seen as a step in the right direction to ensure students’ safety. There’s also a call for security personnel to be deployed to schools.
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has been vocal about the need for effective security measures, especially in Zamfara State, where he previously served as governor. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between federal and state authorities to tackle insecurity. The award received by the immediate past Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, is seen as a recognition of his efforts to improve security and governance in the state. His Excellency is elated to receive this prestigious award, particularly as it originates from Southwest Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub.
The Convener of the 2025 Nigeria Media Nite Out Awards, Mr. Sola, revealed that this the 19th Edition, 16 awardees were selected through a voting process, open to all media outlets. He stressed the significance of acknowledging individuals and companies driving Nigeria’s progress. Despite lacking a major sponsor, the event has consistently delivered, now in its 19th edition. Mr. Sola emphasized that the award’s scope requires substantial support, saying, “the award is large and needs large sponsor.”
The Taraba State Government extends its appreciation to the Nigeria Media Nite Out Award for this significant honour, which serves as further motivation to deliver on the promises made to the citizens of the state.